Manila eyes DPWH, MMDA synchronization

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso announced Thursday that no roadwork or infrastructure project will be permitted in the nation’s capital unless it strictly adheres to the city’s drainage master plan.

Domagoso issued the directive during a coordination meeting with officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Maynilad, Manila Water, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Department of Engineering and Public Works.

The meeting marked a revisit of the city’s long-delayed drainage blueprint, first initiated during Domagoso’s initial term in 2021 and completed before his return to City Hall. It is now slated for full implementation during his second mayoral term.

“We will not approve your permits if they are not aligned with our City Drainage Master Plan,” Domagoso stated, criticizing contractors for poor workmanship, including paving over manholes.

The mayor expressed frustration over persistent flooding on major Manila roads and called out poorly implemented projects that have negatively affected the city’s drainage systems. He lamented that areas historically free from floods during typhoons are now regularly inundated, attributing this to changes introduced by national agencies.

“When you, MMDA and DPWH, didn’t interfere there before, there was no flooding even during the rainy season,” he said. “When you did something to the sea, to our pipes, it started flooding.”

Domagoso also disclosed that his observations stem from decades of experience.

“I’ve been in this government for 30 years, and even with typhoons, the corner of Kalaw and Taft Avenue never used to flood. Never,” he added.

While quickly assuring agency representatives his remarks were a call to action rather than blame, Domagoso stressed that the city’s new drainage strategy is evidence-based.

“What I’m complaining about is visual. This is now the science,” said the mayor, referring to the master plan. He also reminded DPWH and MMDA officials that he consistently urges constituents to report infrastructure concerns.